Some think the speedy Rockets point guard should have had more all-star consideration that he got; he’s averaging 16 points and eight assists per game and Calderon will be in tough against him.

NEED TO KNOW

Raptors have lost four straight in Houston . . . Andrea Bargnani is doing some light running but remains out indefinitely … Linas Kleiza will be looked at after shootaround to see if he’s ready to come back from sore ankle . . . Rockets are 20-14 and have won four of last five . . . Luis Scola one of the more underrated players in the league and is averaging 15 points per game.

Why teams would want him: The expiring contract would be desireable to the team acquiring him to save some money to spend in the summer but he’s still got lots of playing value, too. He’s a proven scorer off the bench who could provide a huge spark to a playoff-bound team. Has big-game experience from his years in Phoenix.

Why the Raptors would deal: Only way it makes sense, given Toronto’s off-stated desire for financial flexibility next summer, is if they get exactly the same expiring contract back, with maybe a draft pick tossed in for making the deal. One other scenario would be if general manager Bryan Colangelo thought he could find a stud wing in a trade. Teams with stud wings trying to get over a hump by adding a player of Barbosa’s calibre aren’t about to give them up.

Chance of move: 25 per cent.
JOSE CALDERON

Contract: One year and approximately $10 million left.

Why teams would want him: Because he’s good. Solid in the pick and roll, good shooter, fine ball-handler, accomplished at running an offence and, as Toronto fans have seen this year, a good enough defender in the right system. How’d he look with the Lakers? Or Trail Blazers? Or even as a backup in, say, Dallas? He’s coveted for his abilities, the salary for next year isn’t that big a deal.

Why the Raptors would deal: Can’t see a reason, actually. It would leave them threadbare at point guard with no sure thing even coming in the summer as a replacement. Maybe if they got a guard back and a pick and another rotation player they might consider it but even then, it’s a stretch.

There’s still one guy left in China who wants back into the NBA. Despite the attempts by the Chinese Basketball Association to keep him where he is, Wilson Chandler is expected to be coming home at some point within the next week. But as a restricted free agent, and especially one who’s only 24 years old and can shoot, defend and create at 6-8, Denver might not be the ones getting him. NBA.com reports there’s another team that plans on throwing their best pickup line in Chandler’s direction: the Toronto Raptors. The Nuggets want to keep Chandler, and not just as a rental for the rest of the season, but beyond that. HOOPSWORLD writes that Denver sees Chandler as it’s ace in the hole, another wing player that could be the difference for them late in the season. Meanwhile, the Raptors are determined to go after him, even if they’re lacking the resources to do so. But if they can move Leandro Barbosa, they’ll position themselves to take a shot. The problem? Who really wants Barbosa enough to trade for him?

Ha, thanks! But I didn't. I just post a few pics a couple times a week. LX is the Dish-man.

It's a team effort. I'm just up early and can take a few minutes to put up the links. Acie did all the really heavy lifting forever. With a bunch of contributors we can keep his dream alive (I'm not sure what that dream is, but it sounded good, and he provided enough fodder for some good dreaming).